18/09/2025
Admire Till It Was You
As the court fills the atmosphere with cheers and excitement, he watched in a corner with inspiration and longing. Connor, a student from Pandan Bay Institute and is Grade 7, yearned to be a badminton player like them. He admired the athletes in a distance, although he never once thought to be like one.
This year, the school held a Paligsahan 2025. Connor paced down the halls, bumping students in a rush, his steps slows as he stood in front of a board. There it was, the schedule of the plays— his eyes lingered on one. Badminton, his heart ached to join yet the fear was grazing through his skin. This was his moment, to shine and show them he was good as those athletes. He turned around, walking away as his clenched hand clutched onto his chest. The fear, joy, excitement, and nervousness was all creeping into him. His heart led him to write his name on the list, to be a player— a badminton player. He never thought to himself, Connor, never joined in these kinds of events especially the Paligsahan. The determination and the heart is what he followed, he was confident— to strive and win.
The day came, as he stood in the very court of the players— he was thrilled. His hand clutching his racquet, the training, late nights, exercise, and the support from those he loved. He was confident and determined, to bring that gold back home.
As the game started, it was tied— 14-14. He was breathless, exhausted yet he showed no signs of giving up. As he held the shuttlecock, ready to serve, he waited for the signal and striked high up, catching the guard off of his rival. The shuttlecock landed, inside, as he sighed in relief. The game was intense, it was tiresome, but he knew he wouldn't just give up— not this. He took a deep breath, last and final match— match point for Connor. His heart jumped, the excitement that he would win the gold was the best thing he could possibly imagine. With one last time, he served in a low one, Jake is the player he was playing against with. He was good, and it was hard to catch up with his points but this time— Connor was sure. Connor's legs functioned in speed, hitting the shuttlecock in time, Jake dropped, but his footwork was fast— Connor dropped smoothly. Jake eyes widened, his legs mid-stopping before running towards the shuttlecock, about to hit the floor. With a dive, Jake's eyes closed, his laying body on the floor, as he looked up with open eyes. Only to see the shuttlecock to be infront of him, Connor standing there didn't celebrate instead, he helped Jake up and shaked hands as sportsmanship.
The game ended, Connor was beyond happy, the confidence and trust of winning is the best mindset he formed. Imagining of getting that certificate and medal was truly a blessing of hardwork and longing, Connor was not only a student now he's a student–athlete. Ready to join in events, strive harder, shine brighter, and love this sport deeply in his heart.
✍️: Ayll Zianly Riomalos